The scholarship of this book is breathtaking [and] Wilson relates it with a command of his subject that is unparalleled. No one interested in the history of Europe, and of the Germans in particular, can afford not to read this stupendous book.

Endlessly fascinating ... History has returned to Europe, and Iron and Blood is an excellent place to start getting reacquainted with it.

Hugely impressive ... By setting his account in the broader context of European history, Wilson launches a sustained attack on the teleological Prussocentrism of the traditional story.

Iron and Blood delves into politics, economics, technology and social developments. Its long view of Germany's military history, magisterial detail and acute analysis provide a new understanding of what was once Europe's warring heart.

Ambitious ... While Germany cannot leave its past behind, it can learn from it, if it dares to look ... Iron and Blood is a timely book, arguing powerfully that 'German history should not be read backwards'.

Formidably erudite ... What is now Germany's shameful past was once Adolf Hitler's vision of the future. Reimagined by Vladimir Putin, that spectral vision now haunts our present. Hence the importance and urgency of Wilson's investigation.

A work of first-rate scholarship ... will become the starting point for all students of military history, not only of Germany but of Europe as a whole.

An ambitious book which was badly needed ... illuminating on the complicated relationship between Prussia, both state and society, and its army .... required reading for serious military historians.

There is much to admire in this book, from the astounding breadth of its scholarship
to its exceedingly ambitious scope ... a fresh perspective on German history.

Who knew that watching someone descale a dishwasher could be compelling viewing?

Accompanied by Laura's beautiful illustrations and her resident humour, it's a useful handbook to get you through any household emergency

I feel a curious joy of life when I am around David Tang. He knows best

A degree course in 21st-century decorum. It will make an aristocrat out of an arriviste

Sharply funny and surprisingly informative. I would rather read style notes from the pen of Tang than any other source on the planet

Eloquent and humorous

David is a life-changer

Filled with valuable advice. Amusingly written and a real pleasure to read

David Tang is the thinking woman's Fu Manchu. If you are allergic to the combination of wit, brains and mischief you won't enjoy this book

A marvellous compendium of good manners and good sense in society, reinforced with insight and sly humour

Anyone who wants to move up the social ladder, or avoid sliding down, must read Rules for Modern Life. It is the essential primer for 21st century social success

Hilarious and edifying. Absolutely essential reading about the nuances as well as the complexities of life today

I have long admired David's irrepressible humour, quick wit and keen eye for style. This anthology is a collection of indispensable wisdom

A perfect compendium of distinguished, humorous and polished advice for a gentlemanly way of living

David Tang has never held a commonplace opinion in his life. He is the most provocative, amusing, sophisticated, counter-intuitive and energetic man I know, and these qualities are present on every single page of this remarkable anthology

Wise, witty and wicked, with useful advice for living

David Tang is a living treasure, a unique polymath, equally at ease thinking inside and outside the box, East, West, modern, old, refined or not. His 'rules' are anything but conventional, they are refreshing and humorous reflections on our daily actions, much more than a code of conduct

Genuinely hilarious. David was the only person who could make my father laugh (and who incidentally rated him and only him as being at his level as a club owner)

David Tang is an astute observer of the social scene with a wicked sense of humour. A most welcome read in these dark times

David Tang is my 'UNCLE DAVE': Unique, Notorious, Charismatic, Lovable, Eccentric, Daring, Anal, Vivacious, Enigmatic

Can't wait to read it